What are the side effects of Boswellia?
- osteoarthritis (OA)
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- asthma
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Why you should be taking Boswellia instead of NSAIDs?
Studies conclude that Boswellia serrata extract reduces inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee as effectively as a popular NSAID COX-2 inhibitor drug. Additional studies show that the anti-inflammatory properties of Boswellia can be effective in addressing rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
What foods contain Boswellia?
Boswellia Complex is an extract supplement containing boswellia, celery seed, ginger and turmeric. It was designed by MediHerb to support kidney function, healthy joints and circulation. However, no scientific studies have yet been performed to support this claim.
What is Boswellia good for?
What are the benefits?
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation around the joints is the leading cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms. ...
- Cancer and cancer therapy. A 2016 review paper reports that boswellic acids might have antitumor properties and be toxic to cancerous cells.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. Boswellia may help treat symptoms of IBD. ...
- Asthma. ...
- Parkinson’s disease. ...
Who should not take Boswellia?
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before using Boswellia. 9 If you have gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may not be able to take the herb. If you're taking a blood thinner or have a condition that affects blood clotting, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Boswellia.
How long does it take for Boswellia to start working?
A clinical trial conducted by Raychaudhuri and co-workers in India has shown that the extract of the plant, Boswellia serrata, can reduce pain and considerably improve knee-joint functions, in some cases providing relief even within seven days.
What are the negative side effects of Boswellia?
Boswellia serrata extract has been used safely in doses up to 1000 mg daily for up to 6 months. It usually doesn't cause major side effects. But some people have reported stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and itching.
Can Boswellia cause liver damage?
More recently, Boswellia serrata extracts have been marketed as helpful in arthritis, colitis and asthma. Extracts of Boswellia serrata have not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations during treatment or to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Does Boswellia rebuild cartilage?
However, these drugs may be expensive or cause stomach bleeding, and cannot repair cartilage and treat subchondral damage [8–10]. Therefore, due to the high incidence of NSAID-related adverse events, there is an urgent need for a safer and effective alternative to OA.
Will Boswellia raise blood pressure?
Boswellia species by reducing the resistance to insulin and restoring pancreatic beta cells decrease blood glucose. Also, Boswellia species has antithrombotic and anticoagulant properties that regulate blood pressure.
Does Boswellia help you lose weight?
The reason for this decrease might be that as Boswellia serrata is a rich source of guggalsterones, which helps in (gugglesterones) stimulating the thyroid, leading to metabolic up-regulation, an increase in thyroid efficieny, increased caloric burn and therefore possible weight loss.
What medications does Boswellia interact with?
Boswellia extract may also interact with medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Chopra A, et al. (2000). Randomized double blind trial of an Ayurvedic plant derived formulation for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [Abstract].
Does Boswellia affect the kidneys?
However, the results of this study showed that Boswellia caused a little improvement in kidney function. This is indicated by its ability to significantly reduce urea and BUN levels. But it had no significant effect on serum creatinine levels and it also did not reduce lipid peroxidation.
What is the best vitamin for stiff joints?
Vitamin D is important for keeping bones strong and preventing injuries from falls. Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain.
Is Boswellia good for the heart?
Our study indicates that supplementation of Boswellia serrata in three 300 mg doses daily for 6 weeks, significantly improves HDL, LDL and total cholesterol levels and serum SGPT, SGOT in type2 diabetic patients.
What time of day should I take Boswellia?
Research suggests that taking boswellia 800 mg daily after a meal improves levels of blood sugar and cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. Joint pain.
How long is Boswellia good for?
Possible Side Effects. Boswellia is likely safe when taken by mouth for up to six months. Boswellia is possibly safe when applied to the skin for up to five weeks. Follow your health provider's instructions.
What is boswellia used for?
Boswellia serrata and other species of boswellia are used in essential oils or burned as incense. The oil is also used in food, cosmetics, soaps, and beverages. In herbal medicine, boswellia is sometimes taken by mouth or applied to the skin to manage the following conditions: Asthma. Collagenous arthritis. Crohn's disease.
How long does boswellia extract last?
In a 2007 study involving 31 people with collagenous colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic diarrhea), researchers found that taking a boswellia extract three times daily for six weeks was not more effective than a placebo when comparing clinical remission, lab testing, or quality of life. 4
Where does boswellia come from?
What to Look For. Boswellia is an extract sourced from the gum resin produced by the Boswellia serrata, a branching tree native to Africa and Arabia. Also known as "Indian frankincense " or "olibanum," boswellia is commonly used in ayurveda . Boswellia is rich in boswellic acids, substances that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
What is the INR test for warfarin?
Two case reports describe dangerously elevated INR (a test used to measure blood clotting) in people who were taking warfarin (Coumadin), a type of drug often referred to as a "blood thinner". 8 Boswellia was considered the probable cause in both cases.
Does boswellia extract help with Crohn's disease?
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that a boswellia extract may not help people with Crohn’s disease who are in remission. 3 After 12 months of treatment with a boswellia extract, there was no significant difference in relapse time, the severity of symptoms, or maintenance of remission.
Does boswellia have anti-inflammatory effects?
Ulcerative colitis. Some studies suggest that boswellia may have some anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, but large-scale, industry-independent clinical trials are needed. Here's a look at several findings from the available research:
What are the benefits of boswellia?
Studies show that boswellia may reduce inflammation and may be useful in treating the following conditions: 1 osteoarthritis (OA) 2 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 3 asthma 4 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What is Boswellia resin?
Overview. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree. Resin made from boswellia extract has been used for centuries in Asian and African folk medicine. It’s believed to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses as well as a number of other health conditions.
What is the most powerful boswellic acid?
Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is thought to be the most powerful of the four boswellic acids. However, other research suggests other boswellic acids are responsible for the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia products are generally rated on their concentration of boswellic acids.
Is boswellia good for UC?
Due to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties, boswellia may be effective in treating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). A 2001 study compared H15, a special boswellia extract, to the anti-inflammatory prescription drug mesalamine (Apriso, Asacol HD). It showed that the boswellia extract may be ...
Does boswellia resin cause asthma?
They may trigger asthma symptoms. Four acids in boswellia resin contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties. These acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), an enzyme that produces leukotriene. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is thought to be the most powerful of the four boswellic acids.
Is boswellia an anti-inflammatory?
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Because boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage. Some studies have found that it may even be useful in treating certain cancers, such as leukemia and breast cancer. Boswellia may interact with and decrease the effects ...
Does Boswellia extract interact with ibuprofen?
skin rashes. Boswellia extract may also interact with medications, including ibuprofen , aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2017.
What is Boswellia used for?
Wound Healing. In Ayurvedic tradition, Boswellia has been used to heal both internal and external wounds. Topical applications are able to stimulate circulation to the wound and speed healing, while also protecting the wound from infection.
What is the name of the Indian frankincense tree?
This tree is most famous for producing Indian frankincense, a common name of the herb, which may also be known as salai or shallaki. The entire Boswellia genus is referred to as frankincense, but this particular species has been praised for the resin it produces.
Does Boswellia cause stomach problems?
Stomach Issues – Excessive consumptions of Boswellia serrata has been associated with a number of gastrointestinal problems, ranging from bloating and cramping to diarrhea and nausea. When taken in normal quantities, however, in the recommended supplement levels, these unpleasant side effects can be avoided.
Does Boswellia serrata have analgesic properties?
Analgesic Abilities. The pain-killing abilities of Boswellia serrata are closely tied to its legendary anti-inflammatory properties. Along with inhibiting the release of inflammatory enzymes and compounds in the body, it also impacts the triggering of pain receptors in those joints and muscles.
Does Boswellia cause constipation?
Boswellia serrata has been directly connected to reducing inflammation in the gut, which is the cause of many digestive problems, from Irritable Bowel Syndrome to constipation and stomach upset.
Does Boswellia Serrata cause cancer?
A great deal of attention has been given to Boswellia Serrata’s impact on cancer in the body. According to researchers at the Cook College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA, this herb does not cause apoptosis (automated cell death), unlike many anti-cancer compounds and natural remedies. Instead, it prohibits the proliferation and spread of cancerous cells. This will notably lower your risk of tumor formation and make it easier for formal cancer treatments to eliminate cancerous cells within organ systems. It is also associated with a reduction in symptoms caused by chemotherapy. [6]
Does Boswellia serrata help with arthritis?
Some of the top benefits of Boswellia serrata include its ability to soothe symptoms of arthritis, lower inflammation, prevent autoimmune disease, reduce the progression of cancer, speed wound healing, boost muscle strength, prevent headaches, and support skin health. Boswellia serrata has been used for a long time in Asian and African medicines.
Why is Boswellia used?
Boswellia has been used for centuries to help treat respiratory complaints ans infections of the sinuses helping people to breathe more comfortably and overcome other symptoms such as coughs and sore throats
Does Boswellia help with coughing?
Boswellia is capable of lowering severity of infections of the respiratory or sinus tracts, which mean you can experience relief from coughing, colds, the flu or a sore throat faster.
What is boswellia used for?
Natural health practices have used boswellia for centuries to treat various chronic inflammatory disorders. The scientific research on boswellia is less developed, but it is beginning to unveil potential uses for the resin and its extracts. .
How much boswellia should I take a day?
The Arthritis Foundation recommend taking approximately 300–400 milligrams (mg) of boswellia three times per day to deliver boswellic acids to the body. They recommend looking for capsules that contain 60% boswellic acid, as it is the active ingredient.
What is the best herb for rheumatoid arthritis?
Boswellia, or Indian frankincense, is a resin herbal extract from the boswellia tree, which natural medicine practices have used for centuries. Its anti-inflammatory effects mean that it may help with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. The treatments for these conditions tend ...
Where does Boswellia come from?
Share on Pinterest. Boswellia is also known as frankincense. Boswellia comes from the Boswellia serrata tree, which is native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. Farmers tap the tree to collect its resin, which is called boswellia. Boswellia resin has a rich scent and flavor.
Does boswellia block asthma?
Thus, boswellic acid appears to block off the allergic response that causes an asthma reaction in the first place. In the future, this may make boswellia a helpful complementary treatment for asthma. For now, researchers need to focus on working toward studies in humans.
Does boswellic acid help with asthma?
Boswellic acid may also have a role in asthma treatment . Research findings#N#Trusted Source#N#have shown that boswellic acid suppresses inflammation in the airways and inhibits the secretion of cytokines, which are markers that lead to inflammation.
Does boswellia help with bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease. Boswellia may help treat symptoms of IBD. The anti-inflammatory effects of boswellia may also be beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. looked into the action of these compounds.
What is Boswellia?
Boswellia resins, also known as frankincense/olibanum, are obtained from Boswellia trees. Incisions are made in the trunks of the trees to produce exuded gum, which appears as milk-like resin and hardens into orange-brown gum resin [ 1, 2 ].
Boswellia Side Effects
This list does not cover all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Boswellia Dosage
The below doses may not apply to you personally. If your doctor suggests using Boswellia, work with them to find the optimal dosage according to your health condition and other factors.
What Is Boswellia Serrata?
Boswellia serrata is a plant native to India and Africa. The gum resin extract from the plant has been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions for thousands of years. Boswellia Serrato is also known as Indian frankincense.
Boswellia Extract For Arthritis
Boswellia extract has been used for centuries to treat arthritis. Arthritis pain may occur because of injury, infection, or degenerative changes in joints. There are two types: Osteoarthritis, which is common among older adults, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both forms involve cartilage loss and bone erosion.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India. It focuses on the balance between body, mind, and spirit. The ayurvedic formulation is based on the belief that all living things are three essential elements: earth, water, and fire. These three elements combine to make up everything we see around us.
Conclusion
What is Boswellia good for? The health benefit of this herbal supplement depends upon how much you take based on the recommendation from a health care professional. The activity of frankincense is similar to ibuprofen but without any negative adverse effects over time.
FAQs for What Is Boswellia Good For
Boswellia is safe for daily use. However, it should be taken under supervision from healthcare providers. This dietary supplement contains active ingredients, which may cause side effects when consumed at higher doses than recommended. Consult your doctor before consuming Boswellia products.
What are the benefits of boswellia tree extract?
Among the valuable boswellia tree extracts that researchers have identified, several stand out as being most beneficial, including terpenes and boswellic acids, which are strongly anti-inflammatory and protective over healthy cells . Terpenes are strong-smelling chemicals found in certain plants, including some we associate with having antioxidant abilities, such as eucalyptus, basil, peppermint and citrus trees. ( 5)
What is the Boswellia tree used for?
In fact, long before inflammation-lowering medications and supplements existed, extracts derived from different species of the boswellia tree were used to treat all sorts of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease.
How many Boswellia species are there?
These species of boswellia have similar healing abilities to boswellia serrata, such as helping to fight arthritis or tumor growth. ( 1 , 2) Over twenty different Boswellia species exist, most of which grow in the northeast African region where it’s estimated that about 75 percent of the species originated.
Where does Boswellia sacra grow?
While boswellia serrata grows in India, boswellia sacra grows in Oman (a country located near Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates) along with parts of Northern Africa, such as Somalia. ( 15) Boswellia carteri also grows in parts of East Africa and in China.
How much does boswellia reduce joint pain?
Some experienced a significant reduction in joint pain by up to 32 percent to 65 percent, which is comparable to prescription medications, showcasing boswellia’s ability as a potential natural arthritis treatment.
What is inflammation in the body?
Inflammation is the response of bodily tissues to any form of irritation, injuries, infections or disorders of the immune system. Whenever you feel pain, redness, swelling and sometimes loss of function, this is inflammation attempting to heal you.
Is frankincense essential oil good for cancer?
Frankincense oil, which is formed by purifying the resin taken from the trunk of the boswellia tree, has been used for thousands of years medicinally, as well in religious and cultural ceremonies. Today, research tell us that frankincense essential oil is strongly tied to cancer prevention. Frankincense is taken by many people around the world with no known side effects. It effectively helps target cancer cells while preserving healthy cells, which is why it’s used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments by many holistic practitioners.
What Is Boswellia Used for?
Possible Side Effects
- Boswellia may be safe when taken by mouth for up to six months. It could be safe when applied to the skin for up to five weeks. But follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Boswellia may cause side effects, including: 1. Nausea 2. Diarrhea 3. Bloating 4. Acid reflux 5. Heartburn 6. Allergic reactions6 It may increase blood flow in the uterus. Pregnant and nursing women shoul…
Dose
- There is no standard recommended dose of Boswellia. Different doses have been used in studies exploring the health benefits. In arthritis studies,100 mg to 1000 mg of Boswellia extracts or 300 mg to 600 mg of Boswellia with other herbs were used daily. A cream containing 2% Boswellia was used on skin during radiation treatment. The cream was applied twice daily during therapy.11
What to Look For
- Boswellia can be found in many health food stores. It's sold as a supplement and blended with curcumin (turmeric) and other herbs. The quality of Boswellia supplements is an issue. Dietary supplements are not regulated in the U.S. For that reason, what's in some products may differ from what the label says. For example, some Boswellia products don't contain the six acids con…
Summary
- Boswellia is the extract of the Boswellia serratatree. It's been used in traditional health systems for centuries. The supplement may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. But more research is needed to confirm these benefits. There's some evidence to suggest Boswellia may help with arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel conditions. L...
Significance
Uses
- Scientifically known as Boswellia serrata, this is not only the name of the herb but also of the large tree native to India and parts of Pakistan. This tree is most famous for producing Indian frankincense, a common name of the herb, which may also be known as salai or shallaki. The entire Boswellia genus is referred to as frankincense, but this particular species has been praise…
Benefits
- Some of the top benefits of Boswellia serrata include its ability to soothe symptoms of arthritis, lower inflammation, prevent autoimmune disease, reduce the progression of cancer, speed wound healing, boost muscle strength, prevent headaches, and support skin health. Perhaps the most well-known health benefits of Boswellia serrata is the impact it...
Treatment
- In Ayurvedic tradition, Boswellia has been used to heal both internal and external wounds. Topical applications are able to stimulate circulation to the wound and speed healing, while also protecting the wound from infection. When supplements or beverages with Boswellia serrata are consumed, it can help accelerate the recovery time for extended injuries or illness.
Impact
- A great deal of attention has been given to Boswellia Serratas impact on cancer in the body. According to researchers at the Cook College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA, this herb does not cause apoptosis (automated cell death), unlike many anti-cancer compounds and natural remedies. Instead, it prohibits the proliferation and spread of cancerou…
Effects
- The pain-killing abilities of Boswellia serrata are closely tied to its legendary anti-inflammatory properties. Along with inhibiting the release of inflammatory enzymes and compounds in the body, it also impacts the triggering of pain receptors in those joints and muscles. This can improve the quality of life and keep you feeling young and healthy as you age when consumed i…
Side effects
- Despite the remarkable health benefits of this herb, Boswellia serrata is associated with various concerning side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems, skin rash, and potential liver damage. However, most of these side effects only appear when Boswellia serrata is used in high concentrations; moderate use is rarely associated with negative side effects.